DENVER, Colorado – A deadly Listeria outbreak has left two people dead and has sickened at least two dozen individuals. The outbreak has been linked to various dairy products, including queso and cheese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert on Tuesday following the multistate outbreak, prompting a recall for all cheeses and dairy products made by Rizo-López Foods.
The recalled products are believed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, posing a serious health risk. Varieties of cheese sold nationally under different brand names have been identified as potentially hazardous.
To date, 26 confirmed cases of infection have been reported across 11 different states including California, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The CDC has listed 61 recalled products on their website.
Symptoms of Listeria can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections – especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as Listeria can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth. Initial symptoms may begin within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, but can also manifest within a day.
In light of the outbreak, the CDC has advised people to discard any recalled cheese or dairy products and clean their refrigerators and relevant surfaces thoroughly. Moreover, individuals with questions about the recalled products are encouraged to contact Rizo-López Foods directly.